In our new Hair Q&A series with hair experts, we connect Madame Noire readers with various experts and stylists to answer their most pressing questions about hair care. In this edition, celebrity hair stylist Fabrice Montes responds to reader-submitted questions about dealing with hair loss along the frontal edges and dry scalp. If you have a hair care issue you’d like to have addressed, Facebook us or email us at editors_at_madamenoire.com.

Question 1: My hair came out, due to tight breads, what would you recommend to help grow back right, along the front edges?

To start, you should definitely take a break from braids for awhile, or if you can’t do that, stay away from the front edge of your scalp. The hairline is the most sensitive and delicate area of your scalp, and the tensions from any braids will pull out some hair. Luckily it’s a temporary hair loss, and you should easily be able to get that hair to grow back by regularly using a temple balm and massaging all along your hairline. The balm moisturizes and protects the delicate hairline, while the rubbing stimulates blood flow to your hair roots, stimulating hair growth.Question 2: I have extremely dry scalp almost to the point where within 2 days of washing(selsun Blue medicated) and conditioning(organic root hair mayonaise)& using a hair grease(organic root stimulator coconut oil) my hair is itching like crazy. What products (shampoos or hair conditioner) could I use to help alleviate the itch? I am pretty much at war with my scalp?

It sounds like your scalp is irritated by layers and layers of product build up. It is also getting irritated by a very drying shampoo, and that build-up and irritation is causing the itch. I’d recommend you stop using the hair grease, which tends to clog the pores on your scalp. I’d recommend a few of the scalp oils from Rene Furterer – you massage in their Complexe 5 oil before you shampoo, which uses natural essential oils to get rid of all that product build-up. Then I’d recommend a gentle shampoo and conditioner – nothing that says medicated or for dandruff! Finally, I’d use the Rene Furterer Karite oil, which will soothe and moisturize your scalp. It also feels great, like little baby angel feet on your scalp!

Fabrice Montes has worked as a hairdresser for nearly 10 years and is currently stationed at the Avanti Salon in Boston.

Comment Disclaimer: Comments that contain profane or derogatory language, video links or exceed 200 words will require approval by a moderator before appearing in the comment section. XOXO-MN

Claire Tilly

I recently used some hair dye and my scalp had a bad reaction to it. I had a little dry scalp previously but nothing crazy. After my scalp was so dry and itching all the time and scabbing. I tried the Shielo Hydrate Shampoo and it was INSTANT relief. I also feel like it took it away, my scalp does itch anymore.

Dawnashwood718

I have a dry scalp and although I don’t look like plucked chicken when it comes to my temples….I still struggle. I highly recommend Lisa’s Hair Elixir from Carol’s Daughter, as a hot oil treatment prior to shampooing. Also either her Healthy Hair Butter or Marguirites Magic cream hair dress for the scalp instead of traditional hair grease. As for shampoo invest in a non sodium laurel sulfate shampoo because they are harsh and drying. No SLS! Use something mosturizing.

If the extreme dry scalp condition persists after trying Ms. Montes’ suggestions she should visit a dermatologist. I had the same problems with my scalp (flaking after two days and itching like crazy) and learned it was due to seborrheic dermatitis. To manage the dermatitis my doctor prescribed a shampoo treatment and through independent research I learned what type of hair products and diet can aggravate the condition.

Ten

seborrheic dermatitis=dandruff

My hairdresser let me know that the key to ultimate moisture is to apply the oil to your hair and scalp while soaking wet. The pores are open and will allow it to penetrate. Oiling/greasing a dry scalp is what causes product build-up; the oils will not penetrate.

Tea Tree shampoo followed by a moisturizing conditioner has helped me;
have to do this twice weekly though. Moisture moisture moisture. Every now and then I’ll do a hot olive oil
treatment. Design Essentials has a light, anti-dandruff hairdress with menthol in it that has done wonders for my dry, itchy scalp. I apply it after I rinse my conditioner out: heaven. Also, check out amla oil or cream ( I prefer the cream) smells good and will give hairgasms to weak/thinning edges. I tried temple balm/castor oil/ coconut oil on my weak edges for over a year. Nothing. Got the amla cream, been massaging it on these edges every morning and before bed for a month and voila.

Ms freeman

I used to experience very dry flaky scalp but then i realized that if i washed more often (once a week versus every two weeks), my scalp would no longer flake or itch. I guess the product buildup is an accurate observation.

Coco Black

I hope so…I know exactly what you are going through. But the T-Gel Tar shampoo really helps…leave on for 5-10mins, then use your normal washing and conditioning. And it should help get them flakes and the itching under control. Then once you have under control alternate between the T-Gel and Head&Shoulders. Goodluck

Coco Black

I also stay well away from all those thick greases…..they actually cause my hair to itch and flake up even more. I use a tiny bit of Nexxus oil instead….gonna have a look out for the Furterer oil mentioned above

This helps so much! I’ve been desperate to find something to take care of my scalp situation!

Coco Black

I too have a bad scalp..flakes up and itches in no time. I did use tea tree oil but it didn’t do much for my scalp. It’s now a condition that I manage rather then try to cure.

My routine consists on shampooing and conditioning but I always per-wash using either T-Gel Tar shampoo or Head&Shoulders and leave on my scalp for 5mins. I then proceed to wash and deep condition as usual. I believe this combats drying out the hair and scalp.

Just T

I have the same problem: an extremely dry, flaky scalp. What I use is pure tea tree oil. The smell isn’t the greatest, but I apply a small amount directly to my scalp, and it seems to keep the flakes at bay.

Based on what I’ve found, tea tree acts as an anti-fungal remedy, and dandruff for the most part, is caused by fungi on your scalp. You can apply the oil to your scalp before you wash your hair, or if you can stand the smell, leave it on your scalp. Know your hair, and the sensitivity of your scalp.

As for shampoo, use a baby shampoo, or even a grease fighting dish washing liquid first to get rid of any product build up (sounds crazy) but a clean scalp is a healthy one. Proceed with a moisturizing shampoo, and conditioner. Hope this helps.

Kimla10

Hello all, i have always had thick hair. lately temples hairline scalp has been peeling. a few times peeled off like glue off a table; size of a Nickel. i thought was weird. i am now using Sulfur 8 and peeling stopped but head a bit ichy and slightly flaky and temples hairline sensitive. Anyone any ideas? thanks Kimla Johnson